Santa has made this review 3 stars. The "experienc e" was not worth £37.50. The activities were merely a bit of colouring and decorating a cookie. The colouring ...was difficult because no one had thought to sharpen the pencils or replace the felt tips that had missing lids. The cookie decorating was also difficult because no one had thought to replace the icing tubes either. The only part that was remotely worth it was Santa himself. He looked exactly like Father Christmas should and behaved as such too. My daughter is only 2.5yrs old so she was quite shy but he made sure not to get frustrated with her and kept trying to make her giggle, which she did. If the rest of the experience could match Santa then I would definitely come again next year but as my daughter will be more interested in the activities Visited on a holiday. Plan was to go to the top floor, use the ladies room, and then shop on all the floors going down (particula rly interested in the build a b...ear). The women's toilet was disgusting . Absolutely the most disgusting thing I've seen.

Had not been cleaned in probably hours - used sanitary tampons and napkins on the floor and urine in places...i t shouldn't be. Not just one toilet was like this either. Left the bathroom grossed out and totally ruined our shopping experience as I rushed my other half out. And, yes. I took pictures. Just couldn't believe a store could let their restroom become that bad. See More Kids loved it and the staff are really energetic and fun. Makes a good experience . However the downside is the lifts. They should be controlled . You have loads ...of people with prams, yet lazy people who can use the escalators without prams take up all the room and stop people with a pram getting on. We had to wait 3 times for a lift for over 15 minutes, which is insane. Sort that issue out it would have been 5 stars. Priority should be given to prams and others who can clearly walk to an escalator should be asked to do so. See More magical visit. Room was beautifull y decorated. The elves were very interactiv e with all the children. Only one adult per child allowed but this is... stated in the T & C's.

Each photo was £10 or 2 for £15 or 3 for £20 which is good value. The Father Christmas was very good with the children and spent good time with each one. You can take your own photos and video so you don't have to buy their photos. Very glad we went. Great value for money. The gift from FC included a Hamleys teddy bear, a bar of Hamleys chocolate, a Hamleys Christmas tree hanging decoration , a Mr Men Christmas book, a small bouncy ball, and a balloon. Would recommend this visit See More I visited on the 21st December with my 5 and 11yr old sons, neither of whom have been to the store before. Whilst I've visited Hamleys previously I've never do...ne so this close to Christmas and never will again. Hot, dangerousl y over crowded, over priced toys and some members of staff being really quite rude to young children. The store layout doesn't particular ly flow, some staple items being on every floor would make life a lot easier for frazzled parents. And £4 for a chocolate coin!!! WTAF? You should be ashamed of yourselves Hamleys!

We didn't need to use the lifts thankfully as the queues for them were ridiculous . We did however have to use the escalators and they were a danger in their own right! The window displays were the most disappoint ing part of all! We so wanted to see sparkle and magic, but walked away feeling very let down by the whole experience ! � Such a shame that one of our beautiful city's most famous and iconic stores can't quite step up to the mark. Will never visit again during December! See More We went today the 23rd December at around 5pm. I want to take the time to "Thank" the 'Young Boy' demonstrat ing the Magic Balloons who completely RUINED my Spec...ial Needs Sons experience of Hamleys. Are you not aware that not all Disabiliti es are Visible. You were rude and actually horrible to him when he asked for a balloon and you just said "NO." He is 11yrs old ASD, ADHD, SPD & has Dyspraxia. He needed to feel, touch and smell the balloons to make sure they were OK and you denied him this experience . But I bought them anyway.

So 'Well Done' representi ng Hamleys as a Disabled Friendly establishm Hamleys of London - Shopping - visitlondon.com Hamleys of London Explore the magical world inside London's world-famous toyshop Hamleys.Read More About Established in 1760, Hamleys is London's oldest toyshop, moving to its present location in Regent Street in 1881. The ultimate play experience, Hamleys has been delighting adults and children for years from their famous London store, one of the largest toyshops in the world. Even the nurseries and playrooms of the Queen and her children have been stocked from this legendary store. This huge shop has seven floors filled with more than 50,000 toys, including computer games, plush toys, latest gadgets, classic games and specialist collector areas. And with entertainment and theatre in abundance, every visit to Hamleys is a special treat for children of all ages. Venue Details & Map Hamleys London - Find out whats going on in the Capital! Where: Hamleys Find many Hamleys Offers in Store now! Enjoy up to 50% off selected toys, games and more at Hamleys!

To find out more about our fantastic offers, visit your local toy shop from December 21st or see FREE present for the birthday child up to £75! Date: Sunday 1st January  Sunday 29th January 2017 Time: 12-4pm Where: Hamleys Regent Street From the moment you book your birthday party at Hamleys the fun, magic and theatre begins! Hosted by the Hamleys Entertainers, our special guests will enjoy an action packed time including activities, games & lots of fun. From treasure hunts and arts & crafts to dancing and party games, the birthday child and their friends will get to enjoy a truly magical experience. Each child will even get to take away a gift bag exclusive to Hamleys. PLUS if you book your magical birthday party between 1st  29th January 2017, you get a FREE present for the birthday child of up to £75!* *For the birthday child at every Hamleys Party of ten children or more, booked before 29/01/2017. Terms and conditions apply, ask in store for more details.

Additional Information: Hamleys customers should expect queues at all free events held in their local Hamleys Toy Shop. Queues will be cut to ensure the event finishes at the time advertised. Hamleys Standard T&Cs apply Book your Hamleys Birthday Party Online! Date: Coming Soon Where: Hamleys Regent Street Very soon you will be able to book your little ones Hamleys Birthday Party using our brand new online booking service. More information will be available soon  keep an eye on your local toy shops Facebook page or sign up to our newsletter to receive an update first! Sign up here! Hamleys on Facebook! Date: Keep up to date Every Day! Time: LIKE us today! Where: Online! We are always having a great time at the Finest Toy Shop in the World! To make sure you dont miss out on the fun, magic and theatre join us on Facebook by clicking on the link below and LIKE your local page. This means you will never miss out on special events, character visits, special offers, competitions and lots more! Hamleys - Bringing Toys to Life!

Top London Shops | London Shopping | LondonTown.com Top London Shops Discover what makes London style so special with a trip to one of the capital's top shops. From famous department stores to grand food halls, some of the world's biggest and best shops can be found within this fashion capital. One of the oldest and most famous stores in Piccadilly is home to a fine food emporium. Fortnum & Mason Fortnum & Mason, 181 Piccadilly London, W1A 1ER Department Stores 181 Piccadilly, St James's, London, W1A 1ER Enlarge Close The Royal Family's favourite food hall, Fortnum & Mason is one of the oldest and most famous stores in Piccadilly, if not the capital. After 300 years of trading, this historic department has a pre-war gentility; its gilded furnishings and exquisitely wrapped produce offer an appealing anachronism in today's modern age of convenience. Quintessentially English, this historic department store owes its royal patronage to William Fortnum's grandson, Charles's years of service with Queen Charlotte.

Still the purveyor of food and wine to the Royal Family, Fortnum's is a must-see for anyone visiting London. Opened by Messrs Fortnum and Mason in 1707, the store has supplied provisions during both the Napoleonic and Crimean wars. Despite stocking a solid range of accessories, perfumes, furniture and homeware, the shop is, understandably, famed for its fantastic, upmarket food hall piled high with gastronomic delights and adorned with chandeliers and marble pillars. Some of the delicacies here are a little overpriced but the quality is exceptionally high. If youre visiting London in the summer months and want to sink your teeth into a top-notch picnic hamper, look no further; Fortnum's has supplied hampers to high society types at events such as the Henley Regatta and the Ascot Races. Even if you're not a foodie, the shop itself is worth a visit just to check out the fantastic decor. It is also an excellent place to pick up a gift. All the delicacies and luxuries on sale here come so beautifully packaged you won't want to open. Possibly the most famous store in the world.

Harrods Harrods, 87-135 Brompton Road London, SW3 1RT Department Stores 87-135 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, London, SW3 1RT Enlarge Close Britain's most famous store and possibly the most famous store in the world, Harrods features on many tourist 'must-see' lists - and with good reason. Its humble beginnings date back to 1849, when Henry Charles Harrod opened a small grocery shop that emphasised impeccable service over value. Today, it occupies a vast site in London's fashionable Knightsbridge and boasts a phenomenal range of products from pianos and cooking pans to pets and perfumery with a large Hair and Beauty department its crowning glory on the top floor. The Food Hall is ostentatious to the core and mouth-wateringly exotic, and the store as a whole is well served with restaurants. At Christmas time, Harrods boasts an enchanting Santa's Grotto for the kids and an extensive range of festive decorations. The summer and winter sales are calendar events in the shopping year, and although both sales are extremely crowded there are some great bargains on offer.

A glamorous shop with a history of theatrical shopping. Selfridges Selfridges, 400 Oxford Street London, W1U 1AB Department Stores 400 Oxford Street, Marylebone, London, W1U 1AB Enlarge Close Don't be fooled into thinking that this huge department store is simply a Mecca for commercialism and shopaholics. Selfridges has a truly fascinating history that supports its excellent reputation for providing a huge range of high quality goods. Emphasising the ethos that "shopping should be fun", the stores original founder, US entrepreneur Harry Gordon Selfridge, defined the shop's hands-on, theatrical image that has endured since its opening in 1909. A lover of all things scientific, unusual exhibits were often used to attract and amaze customers - John Logie Baird carried out his first public demonstration of television from the first floor of the store in 1925, it was in Selfridges that 12,000 people viewed the monoplane used to complete the first cross-Channel flight, while a seismograph installed on the third floor, recorded tremors from the Belgian earthquake in 1938.

This tradition for unique displays and unusual exhibitions continues to this day and is a major reason to visit the store. Selfridges' ever-changing window displays always attract immense interest and are consistently groundbreaking and often controversial - one of the most bizarre has to be the series of Japanese-inspired characters used to depict scenes from TV dating shows, which in turn encouraged shoppers to record their own personal video ad in one of the dating pods located in-store. Scores of excellent clothes retailers, a superb Food Hall , and a number of first class restaurants all under one roof make Selfridges, understandably, the biggest draw on Oxford Street . With more than 40,000 toys, this seven floor store is heaven for children. Hamleys Hamleys, 188-196 Regent Street London, W1B 5BT Children's Gifts and Toys 188-196 Regent Street, Soho, London, W1B 5BT Enlarge Close Stepping into Hamleys you are greeted by a colourful scene of frenetic activity. Miniature trains career under escalators, model planes circle above your head and mountains of soft toys spill across the floor.

Famed as the one of the largest of its kind across Europe, Hamleys has been the leading toy shop for over 250 years. Founded by William Hamley in 1760, it first opened in a poky shop in Holborn before moving to Regent Street in 1881. Hamleys keeps up with the latest gadgets and trends as well as stocking the more time-honoured toys. From tin soldiers to the latest in Jedi fighting equipment, kiddies can feast their eyes on over 40,000 different toys. There is something for every price range, however don't be surprised by some of the wildly steep price tags. Adults and children swarm around the store, eyes shining with excitement. The experience alone is worth a visit. Many of the toys are out of the boxes and can be endlessly tossed, shaken, driven, built or cuddled. With seven floors of fun your raucous bunch can charge from floor to floor with glee. A sleek and fashionable store that's home to a huge variety of products.

Harvey Nichols Harvey Nichols, 109-125 Knightsbridge London, SW1X 7RJ Department Stores 109-125 Knightsbridge, Knightsbridge, London, SW1X 7RJ Enlarge Close The younger, more fashionable cousin of Harrods , 'Harvey Nicks' started out life in 1813 as a simple linen shop. With both department stores being located in Knightsbridge they're often compared, but while Harrods offers huge variety across a massive range of products, this classy retail store offers designer clothes, furnishing and food of a quality far superior to anything you would find down the road. Its sleek, streamlined interiors and clean and minimalist design allow the products to do the selling - and with great effect. All your favourite designer labels are here, including ultra-hip Alexander McQueen, Comme des Garcons and Versace. In 2012 the store's third floor was given the welcome addition of the Beauty Mart. A cross between a boutique and every girl's dream dressing room, the Beauty Mart only stocks the bestselling products from popular brands and also treats customers to international products that can't be found anywhere else in the UK.

Add to this some beautiful homeware, fearfully stylish bars and restaurants, and the Fifth Floor Cafe with its spectacular views across west London and you've already spent a day here. Surprisingly there are also some real bargains to be had in terms of top-notch designer wear. A place to see and be seen as much as to shop, this beautiful department store offers the most refined fashion shopping experience of any store in London - a fantastic spot for an afternoon of shopping, eating and celebrity spotting. This visually striking store is known for its impressive association with design. Liberty of London Liberty of London, Regent Street London, W1B 5AH Department Stores Regent Street, Soho, London, W1B 5AH Enlarge Close No other shop in London, if the world, has such a strong iconic association with design. Mention a 'Liberty print' and a clear image of the shapes, colours and textures involved immediately springs to mind. Housed in a striking, timber-framed, Tudor revival building on Regent Street , the powerful Liberty brand extends to the distinctive style of its surroundings.

With small, intimate staircases, intricately designed elevators, wooden balconies and glass atriums this has to be one of the most aesthetically pleasing and unique department stores in the city. Just wandering around it particularly at Christmas time, when fairy lights adorn the ceiling is a real joy. Since it opened in 1875, Liberty has captured the hearts of shoppers around the world, finding fame and popularity in the 60s with designers like Mary Quant and Jean Muir producing the shops own line in fabrics. Liberty's dedication to innovative design and Eastern influences reflects its founder's fascination with Japan following the International Exhibition of 1862. Not content with merely following trends, Liberty regularly showcases and sponsors new designers, offering cutting-edge style; from cosmetics and jewellery through to home and fashion - there are names like Martin Margiela and Comme des Garcons nestling alongside Betty Jackson. Covet the designer womenswear, ogle the arts and crafts antiques or simply watch would-be fashion designers drooling over the textiles in the fabric department. Fabulous. The world's largest Apple store is a beautifully restored 1876 building.

The Apple Store: Covent Garden The Apple Store: Covent Garden, 1 The Piazza London, WC2E 8HA Electronics 1 The Piazza, Covent Garden, London, WC2E 8HA Enlarge Close Following the runaway success of its flagship Regent Street branch , Apple has opened its largest store in the world to date with this three-storey gadget emporium in Covent Garden. Located in a former nightclub and restaurant in Covent Garden Piazza , the new store is the Californian company's 300th retail outlet in the world and employs 300 staff. The first thing you'll notice is just how spacious the place is: centred around an airy open atrium there are separate rooms (each with exposed brickwork, oak tables and stone floors) for iMacs, MacBooks, iPads, iPhones and iPods. Welcome services include a special Start Up Room, where you can be talked through how to set up your new Apple product free of charge the moment you've bought it; a Community Room for advanced workshops; and a Genius Bar, where experts will gather to answer any Apple-related problems.

Apple's Regent Street Branch, the first to open outside the US back in 2004, is the most profitable shop in the UK, bringing in ï¿½60m a year. We expect the new Covent Garden Branch to give it a run for its money. Heal's Home to beautifully crafted and cutting edge design. Heal's, Tottenham Court Road Heal's, Tottenham Court Road, 196 Tottenham Court Road London, W1T 7LQ House and Garden 196 Tottenham Court Road, Bloomsbury, London, W1T 7LQ Enlarge Close Though it was established in 1800 Heal's is renowned for its beautifully designed furniture, attractive modern decorations and hyper-modern kitchenware. The Heal's trademark has become synonymous with quality stocking home furnishings of the best design and craftsmanship. Such quality is, needless to say, reflected in the price tags but some pieces are worth paying that little bit extra for! The store also features rugs, beds, fabrics and home accessories - everything you need to create the dream home. If you're looking for inspiration, take advantage of the interior design service. The world's largest fashion store for men and women.

Topshop Topshop, 36-38 Great Castle Street London, W1W 8LG Clothing 36-38 Great Castle Street, Fitzrovia, London, W1W 8LG Enlarge Close Cutting-edge designs at high street prices are what make Topshop the best, the biggest and the most popular fashion retailer on the market. It's not unusual to see crowds of keen customers hanging around outside the store early in the morning desperate for the doors of the "world's largest fashion retailer" to open. Similarly, the store has become an iconic meeting place - whatever the time of day you'll see individuals hugging mobile phones leaning against the windows waiting for friends or partners, desperate for them to be late so they can pop back into the shop and have another quick rummage in the meantime. Located right on the corner of Oxford Street (one of London's busiest locations) this vast emporium is not just the largest Topshop in the country - it is a tourist attraction in its own right. There are literally thousands of tops and dresses for sale here (Topman is on the same corner) and it is quite a scene on a Saturday.

It can be hard to track down a dream item among the massive crowds, but anybody visiting Oxford Street should pop in here to check out the mayhem. Truly, when it gets busy, this place is remarkable. Spread over various floors and sections the store now houses a huge area dedicated to accessories, a vintage section, boutique and maternity collections, a nail bar and fitting area. Championing young and new designers, unique, exotic ranges complement the store's trademark, inexpensive plain tops, jeans and basic collections. This shop is huge and swarming with merciless fashion victims. Expect the odd bit of jostling and elbowing when you do go in but it's worth braving the odd ruffian in order to bag some of the best bargains in town. Enlarge Close This enduring retail partnership began back in 1894 in a small shop in Manchester, but Marks and Spencer (M & S) now boasts more than 300 stores in the UK and 400 stores worldwide. M & S is one of Britain's most reliable and trusted stores, famed for selling high quality food, clothing and lingerie and household goods. Its ready meals, cakes, and desserts are some of the best on the market.

The sandwiches, fruit and vegetables are of a consistently high standard, though not exceptionally cheap. The clothing line (including the Per Una range - not carried by all stores), is high quality and fairly priced. The store also continues to be a stalwart supplier of homeware, toys and beauty products. The company prides itself on the virtues of quality, service, innovation and trust. It very rarely fails to deliver. A fine British shopping institution. M&M’s World (London) M&M’s World (London) Leicester Square, London WC2, United Kingdom VN:RO [1.9.9_1125] Rating: 7.8/10 (207 votes cast) This 35,000 square feet store selling M&Ms products and merchandise is the largest candy store in the world. The majority of the store is taken up by rather expensive merchandise (for example; £7 for an M&M branded plastic bowl, £30 for a plastic bracelet), T-shirts, soft toys and M&M characters in all shapes and sizes.

The staff cheer and dance a lot, presumably in an effort to bring a Disney-like atmosphere to the place; something that’s difficult to carry off on a cold and miserable day in London. Of course, you can actually buy M&M’s here. As well as M&M filled plastic boxes in every size & shape imaginable, one corner of the shop is devoted to huge glass cylinders filled with M&M’s in a multitude of colours. But none of the more exotic American flavours are currently available, due (as I understand it) to EU restrictions on the sale some of the additives used. This shop is aimed squarely at tourists and those with small children, in a similar fashion to Cadbury World . It’s probably not a place for real chocolate lovers, and definitely not somewhere for those who suffer from migraines or anxiety related disorders. Those with kids will love the bright colours and loud noises, but if that’s not your thing, this might not be your kind of place. Buying M&M’s Online We’re often asked where M&M’s and M&M merchandise can be purchased online. The merchandise is not currently available to buy online, but you can buy personalised M&M’s here . Perfect for parties, special events or a unique gift.

Save £10 when you spend over £60 with voucher code MYMMS4. Offer ends 5th February. Video: M&M’s World London London, 7.8 out of 10 based on 207 ratings Signature Chocolate Huge glass cylinders packed full of M&M's in a rainbow of colours, merchandise branded with M&M characters and collectible boxes full of candy. Photo Gallery Interactive Area Map Individual shops M&M’s World has multiple branches. Select a shop from the list on the right for detailed information and detailed maps. Posted By Dom Ramsey . Last Updated: January 24, 2013 101 things to do in london | Virgin Vacations - Vacation Packages to London, Paris, Italy & More! 101 things to do in london Search international and domestic tours or packages Destination Build a trip with multiple stops Flying from Bookmark Share Planning on a trip to the United Kingdom? There are hundreds of places to go and thousands of things to see, and we hope to refine your plan of things to do with this list which consolidates everything which defines London (and beyond). The culture in the United Kingdom is vast, and the architecture is magnificent.

Historical Great Britain is truly something to experience in your lifetime, and London is the perfect place to visit to learn about it. London is a great place for families and the lone traveler. For the former, there are parks, zoos, boat rides and theme parks. For the latter, there is all of that, and more. There is great nightlife and the Broadway shows can't be missed. From sightseeing tours to dinner cruises, London Eye "flights" to your own car and driver. Virgin Vacations makes your London vacation, yours. Regardless of where you end up in London, you should be prepared to have a great time! Here are some things you can't miss when you're there. • Visit the Big Ben. Ticking since 31 May 1859. • Relive the life of The Beatles. Book Virgin Vacations' Liverpool Beatles Escape package! • Take a river cruise on the Thames. Virgin Vacation offers many dinner cruises that would be a great oppurtunity to do this. • Visit the Prime Meridian at the Royal Observatory and the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich. You can take a river cruise to get there! • Ride on the London Eye, the largest ferris wheel in the world.

(Tickets available to be added to your vacation package) • Stop by Grosvenor Square. • Immerse yourself in culture at the British Museum. • Watch a Broadway show. Tickets included with Virgin Vacations' • Buy gifts for friends and family at the over 300 shops located on Oxford Street. • Stroll down The Mall, a road that leads to the Buckingham Palace. • Visit the Buckingham Palace. • Experience the changing of the guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace. • Contrast the city lifestyle to the village life in Canterbury, home of Geoffrey Chaucer's famous tales. Virgin Vacations makes this easy with our England Fly & Drive package. • Take a bus through one of London's largest transportation hubs: Victoria Station. • Pub much? Be sure to visit one of the J.D Wetherspoon chain pubs. • Take the London Underground: Featured as one of the 11 top underground transit systems in the world. These trains have cushioned seats and there's a nice LED display overhead that gives riders the estimated time for the next train. • Hike up the geometric staircase at a St. Paul's Cathedral tour. • Make sure to "mind the gap." • Go on the Circle Line ... in a circle.

• See where the Mayor of London lives: City Hall. • Witness the fountains in Trafalgar Square, or photograph the great Christmas tree that is erected during the winter months. • Tour the Tower of London, where you can see the very precious Crown Jewels. • Find out where British Prime Minister Gordon Brown lives: 10 Downing Street. Visit his residence. • Sherlock Holmes fan? Visit the Sherlock Holmes Museum. • See hundreds of books, writings, and photographs related to the Holocaust at the Wiener Library. • Be amazed when you visit Stonehenge, which is outside the city. • Grab lunch at the Porter's English Restaurant (17 Henrietta Street, Covent Garden). • Enjoy the scenic nightlife in Piccadilly Circus, which is likened to the Times Square of England. • ...and spend some time with the teenager in you at the Funland or Golden Nugget Casino located within Trocadero. The centre is packed with dining and other entertainmnent venues as well. • Visit the global headquarters of Reuters at Canary Wharf. • At the Victoria and Albert Museum, walk through rooms filled with ceramic and glass designs, as well as beautiful paintings. • Take the family and have a picnic in Battersea Park.

• ...then take the kids to the Battersea Park Children's Zoo. • Experience the diversity of the Golders Green borough, with a mix of Kosher, Japanese, Turkish, and Italian restaurants. • Get seen on the London cam. • Check out Belgravia's beautiful streets of townhouses and famous embassies. • Go shopping at Harrod's in Belgravia. • ...and sample some ale at the Grenadier pub in Belgravia after you finished shopping (18 Wilton Row). • Get overwhelmed by the massive monuments at the London Wall. • Check out the wax sculptures at the Madame Tussaud's museum. • Step through the academic city by stopping in Bloomsbury. • ...then enjoy the lunch you packed for your trip at Bloomsbury's nearby Russell Square. • Absorb the history of Covent Garden in central London. • Wake up early and experience the local flavor of Spitalfields and be sure to check out the fruit and vegetable market! • While in the Spitalfields area, go to Dennis Severs' House. • Photograph one of the many red phone booths on the city streets. • Explore the city by water (and in comfort) by taking a lunch or dinner cruise.

• Learn about the Bank of England at its museum. • Set your sights on the beautiful architecture at Westminster Abbey. • ...and be sure not to leave without viewing the monuments at Poets' Corner. • See a show at the Shakespeare's Globe Theatre. • Read a book at one of London's specialized libraries. • Stop through Bayswater. • Explore the galleries at the National Army Museum. • Set aside at least two hours to explore the extravagantly decorated rooms at the St. George's Chapel in the Windsor Castle. • Witness Evensong at the Windsor Castle. (Be sure to check the schedule!) • Embrace the vastness of Queen Mary's Dolls' House, which is also located inside the Windsor Castle. • Buy your children toys from Hamleys Toy Store. • Go to Hampstead Heath to see the city from afar. • Catch a movie premiere at the cinema in Leicester Square. • Take a train to Dover, and witness the famous White Cliffs. • Witness the protestors at Speaker's Corner in Hyde Park, and take a guided tour or attend the London's fair during the winter holidays. • Prepapre for an expensive dinner at the highly regarded Michael Moore restaurant (19 Blandford Street).

• If you're in London between March and October, check out Legoland Windsor with the kids. • Book a night for a show at the London Palladium Theatre. • Step into royal history at the Hampton Court Palace. • Enjoy an organic meal at the Lavendar Lady restaurant (644 High Road, North Finchley). • Stroll around the aisles in the National Gallery and see some of the greatest European artwork. • Wine and dine at the House on the Bridge Restaurant. • Take advantage of free admission to the Science Museum. • Pay tribute to the late princess Diana by visiting the Diana Memorial Playground where you can dash by teepees, see a pirate ship, and then enjoy a light meal at a cafe. • Relax and have a drink at the Salisbury Pub (90 St. Martin's Lane). • See the city on a Original London Sightseeing Tour: book your ticket (which includes a free cruise) online at a discounted rate. • Watch a judicial hearing at the UK Parliament. • Walk through the newly transformed London's Transport Museum. • See the animals at London Zoo. • Ride in a traditional London black cab. • Shop at the elegant Burlington Arcade, which has its history dating back to 1819.

• See where Princes William and Harry went to school by stopping in Eton. • Be up close to The Da Vinci Code movie and explore the Temple Church. • Relive the Harry Potter books and movies by stopping at Platform 9 3/4 in the Kings Cross station. • See the exhibitions at Tate Modern, a museum of international modern and contemporary art. • Get spooked at the London Dungeon. • Visit the Notting Hill district. • Take the kids to a puppet show at the Little Angel Theatre. • Sample some Italian food at Carluccios. • Feed the ducks at St. James's Park. • Cross the River Thames on the Millennium Bridge. • Read Charles Dickens much? Take a Charles Dickens Museum stop to see paintings, manuscripts, and more memorabilia relating to the famous author. • Explore Chinatown at night. • Plan an adventure at Chesssington, one of England's most famous theme parks (it's 12 miles outside of London!) • Eat lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe (150 Old Park Lane). • Take a tour of Wimbledon, even if you don't love tennis! • Go to Bath and see the magnificent Roman bathing complexes that give the city its name.

• Enjoy the culture at the Somerset House. • Feel scholarly after taking a trip to Oxford. • Buy some Cadbury sweets. • Watch a live Gilbert and Sullivan operetta performance at the historical Savoy Theatre. • Buy a London Pass for more tips and discounted rates! What You Need to Know Before Traveling to England | The Huffington Post What You Need to Know Before Traveling to England 03/07/2014 03:35 pm ET | Updated May 07, 2014 Halle Eavelyn Transformational Coach & Tour Leader; Author London's calling... or the whole country is. And they speak English! So what do else do you need to know before you travel there? Well... a lot! So read this quick and handy guide to make sure you have the best trip! How long can I stay without a visa? If you're from an English-speaking country, no visa is required for the UK, and visitors can stay up to six months. If you're not sure if you need a visa, check here . Please note that your passport expiration date MUST be after the date of your intended return if you are a U.S. citizen.

Always check the latest regulations before you travel just to be sure. Many countries are moving over to the stricter requirement of your passport being good for at least six months after departure, so it's best to always ensure your passport is up-to-date. You'll need one blank page in your passport for the entry stamp which they will add at customs. What's the local currency? Do they take credit cards? Unlike the rest of Europe, the UK has refused to go over to the euro, because their currency, Great British Pounds, is so strong. They accept euros at some shops, but you get your change in pounds. You will get money out of an ATM in pounds, and you will often be charged a foreign transaction fee of about three percent by your bank, whether you get cash out or use a credit card. This dirty little secret can add up, so make sure you budget for it. Note that some credit cards have no foreign transaction fees. If you want your debit/credit cards to work in England, or any foreign country, call your bank before you leave! Many times, we have had tour guests calling back to their home country because their transactions were declined. It's a fraud concern for the banks, so they are all pretty careful.

Everywhere will take your credit card, but in England they also have a special protection called "chip and pin" which we really don't use in the States -- a transaction can be refused if you don't have an embedded chip on the card as well as your pin code entered. In that case, you may have to use a credit card, so I would keep at least two on hand as well as checking with your bank in advance. As a safety precaution, many restaurants bring a machine to your table so your card is never out of your sight. How do I get around? Whether you are traveling to England alone or as part of a tour , it is likely that you will want to take a ride in one of the famous London black cabs. Just know that they have all changed over time, as have the shiny red double decker buses, though the old style is making a comeback. The cabs are now squarer and come in multiple colors. Your best bet if you are in central London for longer than a few days is to get an Oyster Card as it's cheaper and all you have to do is swipe it to get on all the buses and the Tube (what they call the subway).

If you don't have an Oyster Card, you'll have to buy a ticket for most of the buses or the Tube, and at many stops, carry change to do so. Also, prepare to enjoy walking in London! It's a very big walking/public transport city so take advantage of getting this exercise every day. Note that if you have physical issues getting around that there are many apartment buildings (flats) and even some public places (including some Tube stations) that don't have handicapped access or elevators, though the country is modernizing slowly. Trains to cities all over the UK are common and easy to use, and there is something truly delightful about taking a train to Bath or to Glasgow and seeing the English countryside; this can be a welcome addition to a trip. There are three airports that serve London: Heathrow, Gatwick and Stanstead. Make sure you know which one your flight leaves from -- it could be different from your inbound flight! These days the Heathrow Express is the fastest way of getting in and out of London's largest airport, but perhaps not the most cost-effective.

If you're more than two people coming with luggage, it is likely cheaper for you to hire a car service , which will meet you at baggage claim, haul your things and zip you into town. The one I've suggested here will take you for about a third of the price of a taxi! Do note that you need to know the terminal ] where you will arrive /depart, as the distance between terminals three and five (for example) is several miles and will cost a different amount. There is a Gatwick Express and Stanstead Express into London as well. Everybody just speaks English, right? Well, yes, but... you know how you can't really understand Daisy's accent on Downton Abbey sometimes? That's because she's from Yorkshire, in the North Country; it can get a little dodgy for all of us Yanks in the outer regions of the country (to say nothing if you travel into Scotland or Ireland!) In London, there is an enormous melting pot of cultures, especially in certain neighborhoods. While that means the food has improved considerably in the past 20 years (see below), it also means that there are people who don't speak English in places, so just be aware of common courtesy.

Also, many words have different meanings. One time, my partner was visiting London when his daughter was a child, and she ordered eggs and soldiers for breakfast. He kept asking for the soldiers, and it wasn't until the confused waiter delivered a third order of toast that they figured out he was expecting a painted toy; "soldiers" are what the English call the little toast strips children dip into eggs. Tea doesn't mean there's just tea (though there always is!); it's a daily 4 p. m. meal. Theatres have circles and stalls instead of orchestras and balconies, and there are myriad other examples. What customs could get me in trouble if I don't follow them? As you may know, in the UK, they drive on the left. If you're driving locally, make sure you do, too! They also walk or stand on the left, so you need to as well unless you're passing others, especially on escalators. In the Tube during rush hour, you can really mess up the swift, wide streams of foot traffic unless you observe this rule, so keep your wits about you and follow the flow.

Putting your fork and knife together in the middle of the plate is the only way to acknowledge you are finished eating. If you have learned, for example, to cross your fork and knife at the top of the plate, it will sit there because a waiter will presume you aren't finished. Ask for ice if you must, but beer is drunk at room temperature, and ice means a cube or two, not a glass full of ice. Try not to complain; we just sound like ugly Americans, and it's simply a different custom. Do they drink/do drugs/party? Drinking is very big in the UK; practically a national pastime. You will see the bars -- or pubs, as they call them -- overflowing as the locals spill over into the street on a warm evening. Since most people drink, pubs are good for anyone over the drinking age of 18, and you can find every generation enjoining a pint almost everywhere. Drugs are highly illegal, and though if you choose to visit Notting Hill Carnival you can certainly smell pot drifting over the crowd, as a tourist you are taking a big risk in indulging in any drugs.

There are a lot of places to go clubbing in London, and the nightlife is extremely vibrant, so enjoy! It's relatively safe on the streets, even late at night, but always watch your purse. Is it safe? Should I buy travel insurance? England as a rule is quite safe, but please do take all the usual precautions, especially if you are in the larger cities. My mother, who has lived in London since I was 7, is always cautioning me not to keep my cell phone out or even in my hand while I am on the street, and she is adamant about keeping bags zipped up in public and one eye on my purse at all time. So there - you've been warned by my mum!! Of course consider travel insurance - have you seen the volcanos/tsunamis/earthquakes we've been having lately? A cancelled flight can ruin a vacation. The UK has wonderful health coverage for the locals; even if you have insurance, you may be required to pay out of pocket for any services you need, but excellent medical services are readily available. Note that the travel insurance you buy for a few dollars with your plane ticket may not cover you fully for your trip, especially if you're not on a tour.

So read the fine print -- you have a short cancellation period once you purchase the insurance. What kind of power converter do I need? The British electrical system uses a huge three-prong flat head plug and a currency of 230/240 volts. In addition, many wall sockets feature an on-off power switch, so you want to ensure the red "on" is showing if the switch seems dead. If you are coming from almost anywhere, you will need a power converter. Will my cell phone work there (and cost more than I earn in a month to use? Like many foreign countries, it will be far cheaper for you to buy or bring a small cell phone with no bells and whistles and get a local number than it will be for you to use your own cell phone -- which will likely cost hundreds of dollars in extra roaming charges and fees before you are done. Ask at your hotel, ask your tour guide, etc. It won't be the first time they've gotten the request. I hear the food is terrible! And can I drink the water? True confession: I have always loved British pub food, especially steak and kidney pie and bangers and mash.

Unfortunately, over the past decade many of the local British pubs have been acquired by chains, so now the food is so consistent, the menu often doesn't vary one iota between places! For a true local experience, you will have to rely on pubs in quieter parts of the country, or look very hard! Fish and chips can still be soggy and dreadful, as well as having gotten too expensive to eat out of a newspaper cone, but you can also find them crisp and delicious. Be a savvy traveler and Yelp anywhere before you go! In most larger cities, there is a wide variety of delicious food choices these days, with salads readily available, good options for vegetarians, great Indian food. There is a real modern locovore restaurant scene in London, thanks to Jamie Oliver and other British star chefs who have made nutrition and taste their bellwethers, with the rest of the pack following not far behind. Bottled water is readily available, but tap water is still an acceptable alternative. I hope you enjoyed this information to help make your trip to England easier & better! Caveat: this information was accurate at the time of writing, 3/2014 All the photos above are Spirit Quest Tours except Stonehenge.

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Question: What would you be buying if you went into Hamleys in London
Answer: Toys